Opposing view: Defense cuts threaten security, economy

Requiring defense, which takes up 20% of the federal budget, to absorb 50% of $1.2 trillion in "sequestration" cuts to the federal budget is a bad idea that would harm vital national interests.

The Defense Department is already absorbing a $487 billion reduction in defense spending over 10 years mandated in last summer's Budget Control Act. Additional cuts from sequestration would tear through muscle and into the bone of America's national security. They would diminish our ability to replenish equipment that has been worn down after a decade of conflict.